Joint Government Funding Increases Affordable Housing in Spruce Grove

SPRUCE GROVE, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Sept. 7, 2012) - Seniors, families and persons with disabilities in Spruce Grove have more affordable housing options thanks to investments of $7.7 million at West Grove Manor through the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta.

The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, Minister of Status of Women and Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Spruce Grove, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Honourable Doug Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Spruce Grove-St. Albert, on behalf of Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Doug Griffiths, made the announcement today.

West Grove Manor is comprised of 103 one, two- and three-bedroom units for singles, seniors, families, people with disabilities and those at risk of homelessness.

"Our Government is committed to giving a hand-up to those who need it most here in Alberta," said Minister Ambrose. "We are proud to have invested in the construction of these 103 new units in Spruce Grove, which will go a long way to providing safe, affordable homes for years to come."

"Ensuring lower-income Albertans have a safe and affordable place to live is a priority for the Alberta government," said Municipal Affairs Minister Doug Griffiths. "We continue to close the gap in demand for housing by investing wisely through strategic community based partnerships and other orders of government to develop projects like West Grove Manor."

"West Grove Manor offers a total of 103 rental suites for individuals and families of all ages" said James Kazoleas, Principal, Alpha & Anderson Joint Venture. "This new project will truly make a difference for the people of Spruce Grove and surrounding area by providing beautiful new rental suites at affordable prices."

The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to an overall investment of $238 million, over two years, under the amended Canada-Alberta Affordable Housing Program Agreement and through Canada's Economic Action Plan.

Non-profit organizations, private businesses and municipalities were eligible to apply for funding through Alberta's Affordable Housing Request for Proposals which leveraged government funding with private-sector dollars. Successful applicants received funding to purchase or build affordable housing units, renovate existing rental units, develop secondary units in private homes or support other options as identified by the community.

The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest more than $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of almost 605,000 households living in existing social housing. In Alberta, this represents some 38,400 households. These investments are improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.

Through partnership with federal and municipal governments, community groups, the non-profit and private sectors, Alberta has made great strides to increase the supply of affordable housing across the province. Since 2003, the Government of Alberta has supported the development of 16,000 affordable housing units for homeless and lower-income Albertans through capital grant funding in 62 communities. For more information on Alberta's housing support, visit www.housing.alberta.ca.

Since 2007 Alpha & Anderson Joint Venture specializes in the development and operation of residential and multi-family apartment buildings. They provide low-medium income working families and individuals, seniors and persons with disabilities with more than just shelter; the purpose is to provide an opportunity to live and enjoy a good quality of life.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca.